Eataly Chicago taps Dogfish Head and two Italian breweries to lead beer bar

The Chicago location of Eataly will have a Birreria bar featuring Italian… (Phil Velasquez / Chicago…)

May 08, 2013|By Kate Bernot, @redeyeeatdrink | RedEye

Details have been scarce about the forthcoming Chicago outpost of Eataly, Mario Batali's sprawling Italian market and restaurant with locations in New York City and Rome, but beer fans will be glad to hear that brewpub planning is underway.

Delaware-based brewery Dogfish Head announced that it will continue its partnership with Eataly and will design the menu and oversee the brewing process at the Chicago outpost, which will open this year at 43 E. Ohio St. in the former ESPN Zone space.

In New York, Eataly comprises multiple restaurants, specialty Italian shops and a rooftop beer garden and small brewery called Birreria. Dogfish Head could not confirm at this time whether the Chicago Birreria will have a rooftop location.

The as-yet-unnamed head brewer at the Chicago location will be trained by Dogfish Head's staff, as well as by two Italian breweries, Birra Baladin and Birra del Borgo, who also have partnerships with Eataly.

But lest Chicagoans think Eataly will overlook Midwest beers, Dogfish Head assures that regional brew also will be on draft. While Dogfish Head is known for its "off-centered" beers, Eataly's brews have stuck closely to Italian and American brewing traditions.

And of course, with plenty of cured meats and cheese nearby, selecting beer-friendly snacks will be a no-brainer.